Experimental study of face passive failure features of a shallow shield tunnel in coastal backfill sand

doi:10.1007/s11709-024-1059-1

Front. Struct. Civ. Eng.

2024, Vol. 18

Issue (2) : 252-271 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11709-024-1059-1

Experimental study of face passive failure features of a shallow shield tunnel in coastal backfill sand

Weifeng QIAN¹, Ming HUANG¹(

), Bingnan WANG¹, Chaoshui XU², Yanfeng HU³

¹. School of Civil Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
². School of Civil, Environment and Mining Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
³. China First Highway Xiamen Engineering Co., Ltd., Xiamen 361000, China

Download: PDF(21178 KB) HTML
Export: BibTeX | EndNote | Reference Manager | ProCite | RefWorks

Abstract

Face passive failure can severely damage existing structures and underground utilities during shallow shield tunneling, especially in coastal backfill sand. In this work, a series of laboratory model tests were developed and conducted to investigate such failure, for tunnels located at burial depth ratios for which C/D = 0.5, 0.8, 1, and 1.3. Support pressures, the evolution of failure processes, the failure modes, and the distribution of velocity fields were examined through model tests and numerical analyses. The support pressure in the tests first rose rapidly to the elastic limit and then gradually increased to the maximum value in all cases. The maximum support pressure decreased slightly in cases where C/D = 0.8, 1, and 1.3, but the rebound was insignificant where C/D = 0.5. In addition, the configuration of the failure mode with C/D = 0.5 showed a wedge-shaped arch, which was determined by the outcropping shear failure. The configuration of failure modes was composed of an arch and the inverted trapezoid when C/D = 0.8, 1, and 1.3, in which the mode was divided into lower and upper failure zones.

Keywords tunnel face stability passive failure model test support pressure failure mode

Corresponding Author(s): Ming HUANG

Just Accepted Date: 12 April 2024 Online First Date: 27 May 2024 Issue Date: 07 June 2024

Cite this article:

Weifeng QIAN,Ming HUANG,Bingnan WANG, et al. Experimental study of face passive failure features of a shallow shield tunnel in coastal backfill sand[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2024, 18(2): 252-271.

URL:

https://academic.hep.com.cn/fsce/EN/10.1007/s11709-024-1059-1
https://academic.hep.com.cn/fsce/EN/Y2024/V18/I2/252

Fig.1 In situ conditions: (a) Aerial view of Shuang-Airport shield zone; (b) longitudinal geological strata profile.

Fig.2 Schematic representation of the experimental system.

Fig.3 Model test instrument: (a) model container; (b) touch-screen panel; (c) model tunnel (end view, without sand in the model container.

Fig.4 Particle size distribution of the experimental sand.

Tab.1 Properties of the sand

Fig.5 Experimental apparatus: (a) transverse view; (b) analysis area of PIV at C/D = 1.

Fig.6 Descriptions of failure mode at different burial depth ratios C/D: (a) 0.5; (b) 0.8; (c) 1; (d) 1.3.

Fig.7 Variations in the face support pressure p with face movement s.

Fig.8 Displacement fields of soil for different burial depth ratios C/D: (a) 0.5; (b) 0.8; (c) 1; (d) 1.3.

Fig.9 Shear strains of soil for different burial depth ratios C/D: (a) 0.5; (b) 0.8; (c) 1; (d) 1.3.

Fig.10 Geometries of the passive failure mode for C/D > 0.5.

Fig.11 Schematic representation of passive failure particle displacements around tunnel faces.

Fig.12 Numerical result: (a) modeling strategy; (b) support pressure versus face displacement.

Fig.13 Comparisons of ultimate support pressure p_u obtained by different studies.

Tab.2 Features of passive failure modes in different studies

Fig.14 Distribution of the stress ratios: (a) C/D = 0.5; (b) C/D = 1.

Fig.15 Velocity field obtained by numerical simulations at s = 60mm: (a) C/D = 0.5, (b) C/D = 1.

Fig.16 Velocity field inclination in all cases: (a) at the tunnel face; (b) at the ground surface.

Fig.A1 Example of sensor calibration curves: (a) earth pressure cell; (b) displacement sensor.

Fig.A2 Displacement fields of sand for different burial depth ratios C/D: (a) 0.6; (b) 0.7.

1	V GuglielmettiP GrassoA Mahtab S L Xu. Mechanized Tunneling in Urban Areas: Design Methodology and Construction Control. London: Taylor and Francis, 2008, 2–14
2	W F Qian, M Huang, C M Sun, B Huang, G F Wang, H Liu. Adaptability of earth pressure balance shield tunneling in coastal complex formations: A new evaluation method. Geomechanics and Engineering, 2021, 27: 425–440
3	S Liao, J Liu, R Wang, Z Li. Shield tunneling and environment protection in Shanghai soft ground. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2009, 24: 454–465
4	D Sterpi, F Rizzo, D Renda, F Aguglia, C Zenti. Soil nailing at the tunnel face in difficult conditions: A case study. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2013, 38: 129–139
5	R P Chen, X Yin, L Tang, Y Chen. Centrifugal model tests on face failure of earth pressure balance shield induced by steady state seepage in saturated sandy silt ground. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2018, 81: 315–325
6	Z Y Yin, P Wang, F S Zhang. Effect of particle shape on the progressive failure of shield tunnel face in granular soils by coupled FDM-DEM method. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2020, 100: 103394
7	R P Chen, J Li, L G Kong, L J Tang. Experimental study on face instability of shield tunnel in sand. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2013, 33: 12–21
8	X H Sun, L C Miao, H S Lin, T Z Tong. Soil arch effect analysis of shield tunnel in dry sandy ground. International Journal of Geomechanics, 2018, 18(6): 04018057
9	W Liu, Y Zhao, P X Shi, J Y Li, P L Gan. Face stability analysis of shield-driven tunnels shallowly buried in dry sand using 1–g large-scale model tests. Acta Geotechnica, 2018, 13(3): 693–705
10	K S Wong, C W W Ng, Y M Chen, X C Bian. Centrifuge and numerical investigation of passive failure of tunnel face in sand. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2012, 28(3): 297–303
11	C W W Ng, K S Wong. Investigation of passive failure and deformation mechanisms due to tunneling in clay. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 2013, 50(4): 359–372
12	W Liu, P X Shi, L J Chen, Q Tang. Analytical analysis of working face passive stability during shield tunneling in frictional soils. Acta Geotechnica, 2020, 15(3): 781–794
13	U Klotz, P Vermeer, C Klotz, S Möller. A 3D finite element simulation of a shield tunnel in weathered Singapore Bukit Timah granite. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2006, 21(3−4): 272
14	A BezuijenH M Brassinga. Tunneling. A Decade of Progress. GeoDelft. London: Taylor and Francis, 2005, 143–148
15	L Z Qi. Study on blow-out face pressure of shield tunnels in sand. Thesis for the Master’s Degree. Hangzhou: Zhejiang University, 2012 (in Chinese)
16	50157 GB-2013. Code for Design of Metro. Beijing: Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of the People’s Republic of China, 2013 (in Chinese)
17	P F Li, K Y Chen, F Wang, Z Li. An upper-bound analytical model of blow-out for a shallow tunnel in sand considering the partial failure within the face. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2019, 91: 102989
18	K Xu, M Huang, J J Zhen, C S Xu, M J Cui. Field implementation of enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation technology for reinforcing a bedding layer beneath an underground cable duct. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 2023, 15: 1011–1022
19	N Horn. Horizontal earth pressure on perpendicular tunnel face. In: Proceedings of the Hungarian National Conference of the Foundation Engineer Industry. Budapest: Akadémiai Kiadó, 1961, 7–16 (in Hungarian)
20	W Broere. Tunnel face stability and new CPT applications. Dissertation for the Doctoral Degree. Delft: Delft University of Technology, 2001
21	X Y Hu, Z X Zhang, S Kieffer. A real-life stability model for a large shield-driven tunnel in heterogeneous soft soils. Frontiers of Structural and Civil Engineering, 2012, 6(2): 176–187
22	P Perazzelli, T Leone, G Anagnostou. Tunnel face stability under seepage flow conditions. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2014, 43: 459–469
23	G Anagnostou, P Perazzelli. Analysis method and design charts for bolt reinforcement of the tunnel face in cohesive-frictional soils. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2015, 47: 162–181
24	R P Chen, L J Tang, X S Yin, Y M Chen, X C Bian. An improved 3D wedge-prism model for the face stability analysis of the shield tunnel in cohesionless soils. Acta Geotechnica, 2015, 10: 683–692
25	M Huang, J W Zhan. Face stability assessment for underwater tunneling across a fault zone. Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities, 2019, 33(3): 04019034
26	X Zhang, M N Wang, J W Li, Z L Wang, J J Tong, D G Liu. Safety factor analysis of a tunnel face with an unsupported span in cohesive-frictional soils. Computers and Geotechnics, 2020, 117: 103221
27	X Zhang, M N Wang, Z L Wang, J W Li, J J Tong, D G Liu. A limit equilibrium model for the reinforced face stability analysis of a shallow tunnel in cohesive-frictional soils. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2020, 105: 103562
28	C Cheng, P Ni, W Zhao, P Jia, S Gao, Z Wang, C Deng. Face stability analysis of EPB shield tunnel in dense sand stratum considering the evolution of failure pattern. Computers and Geotechnics, 2021, 130: 103890
29	E Leca, L Dormieux. Upper and lower bound solutions for the face stability of shallow circular tunnels in frictional material. Geotechnique, 1990, 40(4): 581–606
30	A H SoubraD DiasF EmeriaultR Kastner. Three-dimensional face stability analysis of circular tunnels by a kinematical approach. In: Proceedings of GeoCongress 2008: Characterization, Monitoring, and Modeling of GeoSystems. New Orleans: ASCE, 2008: 894–901
31	G Mollon, D Dias, A H Soubra. Face stability analysis of circular tunnels driven by a pressurized shield. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 2010, 136(1): 215–229
32	G Mollon, D Dias, A H Soubra. Probabilistic analysis of pressurized tunnels against face stability using collocation-based stochastic response surface method. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 2011, 137(4): 385–397
33	G Mollon, D Dias, A H Soubra. Rotational failure mechanisms for the face stability analysis of tunnels driven by a pressurized shield. International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics, 2011, 35(12): 1363–1388
34	X W Tang, W Liu, B Albers, S Savidis. Upper bound analysis of tunnel face stability in layered soils. Acta Geotechnica, 2014, 9(4): 661–671
35	C P Zhang, K H Han, D L Zhang. Face stability analysis of shallow circular tunnels in cohesive-frictional soils. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2015, 50: 345–357
36	Q J Pan, D Dias. Safety factor assessment of a tunnel face reinforced by horizontal dowels. Engineering Structures, 2017, 142: 56–66
37	W T Ding, K Q Liu, P H Shi, M J Li, M L Hou. Face stability analysis of shallow circular tunnels driven by a pressurized shield in purely cohesive soils under undrained conditions. Computers and Geotechnics, 2019, 107: 110–127
38	P F Li, Y J Wei, M J Zhang, Q F Huang, F Wang. Influence of non-associated flow rule on passive face instability for shallow shield tunnels. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2022, 119: 104202
39	Q D Di, P F Li, M J Zhang, W J Zhang, X Y Wang. Analysis of face stability for tunnels under seepage flow in the saturated ground. Ocean Engineering, 2022, 266: 112674
40	Q D Di, P F Li, M J Zhang, C X Guo, F Wang, J Wu. Three-dimensional theoretical analysis of seepage field in front of shield tunnel face. Underground Space, 2022, 7(4): 528–542
41	B Ukritchon, K Yingchaloenkitkhajorn, S Keawsawasvong. Three-dimensional undrained tunnel face stability in clay with a linearly increasing shear strength with depth. Computers and Geotechnics, 2017, 88: 146–151
42	X B Ding, K Li, Y X Xie, S Z Liu. Face stability analysis of large shield-driven tunnel in rock−soil interface composite formations. Underground Space, 2022, 7(6): 1021–1035
43	W Li, C P Zhang, D L Zhang, Z J Ye, Z B Tan. Face stability of shield tunnels considering a kinematically admissible velocity field of soil arching. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 2022, 14(2): 505–526
44	S Senent, R Jimenez. A tunnel face failure mechanism for layered ground, considering the possibility of partial collapse. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2015, 47: 182–192
45	R P Chen, L Tang, D Ling, Y Chen. Face stability analysis of shallow shield tunnels in dry sandy ground using the discrete element method. Computers and Geotechnics, 2011, 38(2): 187–195
46	Z Zhang, X Hu, K Scott. A discrete numerical approach for modeling face stability in slurry shield tunneling in soft soils. Computers and Geotechnics, 2011, 38(1): 94–104
47	Z H Zhang, W S Xu, W T Nie, L M Deng. DEM and theoretical analyses of the face stability of shallow shield cross-river tunnels in silty fine sand. Computers and Geotechnics, 2021, 130: 103905
48	P Chambon, J F Corté. Shallow tunnels in cohesionless soil: Stability of tunnel face. Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 1994, 120(7): 1148–1165
49	G Idinger, P Aklik, W Wu, R I Borja. Centrifuge model test on the face stability of shallow tunnel. Acta Geotechnica, 2011, 6(2): 105–117
50	X L Weng, Y F Sun, B H Yan, H S Niu, R A Lin, S Q Zhou. Centrifuge testing and numerical modeling of tunnel face stability considering longitudinal slope angle and steady state seepage in soft clay. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2020, 101: 103406
51	A Kirsch. Experimental investigation of the face stability of shallow tunnels in sand. Acta Geotechnica, 2010, 5(1): 43–62
52	N Berthoz, D Branque, D Subrin, H Wong, E Humbert. Face failure in homogeneous and stratified soft ground: theoretical and experimental approaches on 1g EPBS reduced scale model. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2012, 30: 25–37
53	Q D Di, P F Li, M J Zhang, X P Cui. Influence of relative density on deformation and failure characteristics induced by tunnel face instability in sandy cobble strata. Engineering Failure Analysis, 2022, 141: 106641
54	Q D Di, P F Li, M J Zhang, X P Cui. Experimental study of face stability for shield tunnels in sandy cobble strata of different densities. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2023, 135: 105029
55	Q D Di, P F Li, M J Zhang, X P Cui. Experimental investigation of face instability for tunnels in sandy cobble strata. Underground Space, 2023, 10: 199–216
56	C Cheng, P J Jia, W Zhao, P P Ni, Q Bai, Z J Wang, B Lu. Experimental and analytical study of shield tunnel face in dense sand stratum considering different longitudinal inclination. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2021, 113: 103950
57	X Zhang, M Wang, C Lyu, J Tong, L Yu, D Liu. Experimental and numerical study on tunnel faces reinforced by horizontal bolts in sandy ground. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2022, 123: 104412
58	H Y Lei, Y J Zhang, Y Hu, Y N Liu. Model test and discrete element method simulation of shield tunneling face stability in transparent clay. Frontiers of Structural and Civil Engineering, 2021, 15(1): 147–166
59	S K Ma, Z B Duan, Z Huang, Y Liu, Y Shao. Study on the stability of shield tunnel face in clay and clay-gravel stratum through large-scale physical model tests with transparent soil. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2022, 119: 104199
60	X L Lü, Y C Zhou, M S Huang, S Zeng. Experimental study of the face stability of shield tunnel in sands under seepage condition. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2018, 74: 195–205
61	Z Jia, Y T Bai, C Liu, D S Zhang, Y P Ji, H H Zhao. Visualization investigation on stability of shield tunnel face with transparent soil, considering different longitudinal inclination angles. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2023, 137: 105154
62	M Saiyar, P Ni, W A Take, I D Moore. Response of pipelines of differing flexural stiffness to normal faulting. Geotechnique, 2016, 66(4): 275–286
63	A R Tognon, R K Rowe, R W I Brachman. Evaluation of side wall friction for a buried pipe testing facility. Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 1999, 17(4): 193–212
64	10001 TB-2016. Technical Code for Design of Railway Tunnel. Beijing: National Railway Administration of People’s Republic of China, 2016 (in Chinese)
65	Q Fang, X Liu, K H Zeng, X D Zhang, M Z Zhou, J M Du. Centrifuge modelling of tunneling below existing twin tunnels with different types of support. Underground Space, 2022, 7(6): 1125–1138
66	G Gioda, G Swoboda. Developments and applications of the numerical analysis of tunnels in continuous media. International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics, 1999, 23(13): 1393–1405

[1]	Meng HUANG, Mingli HUANG, Ze YANG, Yuan SONG, Zhien ZHANG. Large-scale model test study on the water pressure resistance of construction joints of karst tunnel linings[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2023, 17(8): 1249-1263.
[2]	Yu DIAO, Yuhao GUO, Zhenyang JIA, Gang ZHENG, Weiqiang PAN, Dongfan SHANG, Ying ZHANG. A simplified method for investigating the bending behavior of piles supporting embankments on soft ground[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2023, 17(7): 1021-1032.
[3]	Shimin WANG, Xiaoyu PENG, Hang ZHOU, Xuhu HE, Anqi ZHOU, Bing CHEN. Deformation control criterion of shield tunnel under lateral relaxation of soft soil[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2023, 17(5): 780-795.
[4]	Yinzun YANG, Dajun YUAN, Dalong JIN. Effect of cutterhead configuration on tunnel face stability during shield machine maintenance outages[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2023, 17(4): 522-532.
[5]	Shili MA, Liquan XIE, Tsung-Chow SU. Model testing of tripod caisson foundations in silty clay subjected to eccentric lateral loads[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2023, 17(3): 467-476.
[6]	Shuang ZHAO, Kuihua WANG, Yuan TU, Weiqiu CHEN, Juntao WU. Numerical analysis of bearing behaviors of single batter piles under horizontal loads in various directions[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2023, 17(2): 224-237.
[7]	Xiaoqing ZHAO, Jinchang WANG, Panpan GUO, Xiaonan GONG, Yongle DUAN. Displacement and force analyses of piles in the pile-caisson composite structure under eccentric inclined loading considering different stratum features[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2023, 17(10): 1517-1534.
[8]	Jifeng LIAN, Jiujiang WU. Surficial stability analysis of soil slope under seepage based on a novel failure mode[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2021, 15(3): 712-726.
[9]	Huayang LEI, Yajie ZHANG, Yao HU, Yingnan LIU. Model test and discrete element method simulation of shield tunneling face stability in transparent clay[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2021, 15(1): 147-166.
[10]	Nabarun DEY, Aniruddha SENGUPTA. Effect of a less permeable stronger soil layer on the stability of non-homogeneous unsaturated slopes[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2020, 14(6): 1462-1475.
[11]	Serdar KOLTUK, Jie SONG, Recep IYISAN, Rafig AZZAM. Seepage failure by heave in sheeted excavation pits constructed in stratified cohesionless soils[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2019, 13(6): 1415-1431.
[12]	Xin LIANG,Qian-gong CHENG,Jiu-jiang WU,Jian-ming CHEN. Model test of the group piles foundation of a high-speed railway bridge in mined-out area[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2016, 10(4): 488-498.
[13]	Xi CHEN, Wei XU. Parametric sensitivity analysis of cellular diaphragm wall[J]. Front Struc Civil Eng, 2012, 6(4): 358-364.
[14]	Toshifumi MUKUNOKI, Naoko KUMANO, Jun OTANI. Image analysis of soil failure on defective underground pipe due to cyclic water supply and drainage using X-ray CT[J]. Front Struc Civil Eng, 2012, 6(2): 85-100.
[15]	Hehua ZHU, Qianwei XU, Wenqi DING, Feng HUANG. Experimental study on the progressive failure and its anchoring effect of weak-broken rock vertical slope[J]. Front Arch Civil Eng Chin, 2011, 5(2): 208-224.

Viewed

Full text

Abstract

Cited

Shared

Discussed